Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I love how the ancient Celts depicted animals. I am particularly fond of deer. I cherish the feeling of being in the woods and seeing a doe lift her face to look at me, before dashing among the trees. There is a stillness in such moments that bring me peace throughout the day.

I stamped the stag from plate H28 using Konad black special polish. A silver crescent Moon was added to the sky. With the striper from the Nubar nail art pen in Platinum, I created a thin line French. I adore the soft pearl appearance of this silver. It looks like I ran my nails across the snow.

While Roasted Nuts is too sheer for my preference on its own, I love the finished look of this manicure. This burnished gold polish is stirred with iridescent micro glitter. The sparkle looks radiant in just about every light.

I layered three coats of Roasted Nuts over two coats of Brucci 2 in 1 Nail Perfection, a whitening base coat. I wanted to keep the color as pure as possible for this review. For those of you who prefer an opaque polish, I recommend applying Roasted Nuts over one coat of a slipcover nude polish that matches your skin tone.

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse at this season's fauna.

Roasted Nuts was sent to me for review. This polish along with the seven others in the BB Couture Christmas Collection can be purchased at overallbeauty.com. Would you like the opportunity to win the entire Christmas Collection of eight polishes, Made from Earth skin care and a chic wristlet? Stop by the Get Festive Giveaway! to enter.

Image plate H28 was provided for my consideration. Please visit chez-delaney.com to see the entire line of stamping nail art products.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I have encountered the gold standard for treating blackheads: B'Liv by Cellnique, Off With Those Heads. After using this product for five weeks, 65% of my blackheads are gone and the rest are continually diminishing.

I have dealt with blackheads on my nose since puberty. I have tried drying gels, pore strips, facial masks and even suffered a metal comedone extractor. While I have noticed some improvement with other methods, nothing has worked as consistently as Off With Those Heads. I wish I could time travel with a satchel of bottles to alleviate all the disappointment and frustration I have experienced trying to keep my skin clear of blackheads.

Off With Those Heads is the first treatment gel that has removed blackheads without causing my dry and sensitive skin to redden and peel. I have no problem using this product under my daily sunscreen. The aloe vera in the formula provides a light degree of hydration. I seldom wear night cream atop the gel, but the product is still effective when I do. It also remains in place, without lifting or pulling, as I apply my concealer.

Experimenting with different amounts, I found a medium layer works better than a thin coating. I use about three quarters of a pea size to treat my entire nose. Applying an even layer, I coat the top and sides of my nose with the clear gel. Because Off With Those Heads contains menthol and peppermint oil, there is a mild tingling sensation. The feeling is reminiscent of tasting a breath mint.

Off With Those Heads is a gentle treatment that relies on consistency. I apply the product every morning and night as a routine. Because the results are cumulative, it's worth considering if you are willing to regard daily use as one would brushing their teeth. This isn't the type of product you use occasionally for expected results.

For the first two weeks, I was concerned because my blackheads looked slightly darker and more prominent. In the third week, I realized this was because Off With Those Heads was loosening the pore clogging debris and elevating it to the surface. The most dramatic results were visible on the top of my nose, which is now almost completely clear. The blackheads on the sides of my nose have been greatly reduced and my skin shows continued improvement.

Since friends discovered I was testing a blackhead treatment, they have been awaiting my report. Last week, one of my girlfriends actually shined a light on my nose to examine my pores. She has since put Off With Those Heads on her skin care wish list. Another friend described my results as "amazing". I will concur.

Off With Those Heads is part of a blackheads treatment range. Because my skin is so dry, the other components wouldn't be suitable for me. This product holds its own outside the B'Liv system. Off With Those Heads assists in blackhead removal. If you have success with a treatment mask or pore strips, I recommend continuing with what works for you. Off With Those Heads will soften and loosen pore clogging material, making whatever methods you use for extraction far more effective.

Adding Off With Those Heads to your daily skin care treatment will help rid your reflection of blackheads. If you are patient and can commit to a routine, this product will do the rest.

Off With Those Heads was sent to me for review. To explore the targeted lines of B'Liv by Cellnique products, please visit blivskin.com. Off With Those Heads is priced at $49.00 USD for a 1.o fl. oz. (30 mL) size and $63.00 USD for 1.5 oz. (45 mL).

There is a special giveaway running for Twitter followers of @ladyfingersblog! For a chance to win a 1.0 fl. oz. (30 mL) bottle of Off With Those Heads, stop by the contest post. Don't miss out. The giveaway closes January 1st.

Monday, December 27, 2010

I have a simple and sweet manicure for you today. The drifts of snow made me long for the white petals of Spring. The blossoms and pearls look sugared on my nails, like candied flowers.

With Konad white special polish, I stamped the delicate flowers from design plate H28. I alternated the design placement. I added pale blue, lavender and cream pearls to the flowers centers. The pearls remind me of candy buttons.

Above are pictures of my niece Shannon in her tutu before her performance in the Nutcracker. As part of a local ballet troupe, she performed with the international touring Donetsk Ballet Co. from Russia. Shannon just turned 15. Isn't she beautiful?

Plums and Sugar is completely opaque in two coats. The application of this polish is salon perfect. The color is amazing as well. Red micro glitter along with blue and silver shimmer mingle in a purple base. Plums and Sugar is one of my favorite purples from any brand. Truly gorgeous and worth seeking out!

I hope this manicure and the ballerina added some sweetness to your day.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

I have been enjoying Deep Moisture Body Cream by Neutrogena. This delicately scented moisturizer protects skin from winter dryness, while comforting the senses with a warm vanilla fragrance. I appreciate the quick to absorb formula enriched with shea, cocoa and mango butters. This jar is proof that there are amazing products to be discovered at the drugstore.

Deep Moisture Body Cream has a light texture that is a melding of a body butter and a gel. The consistency reminds me of creme brulee. The scent is equally appealing. There is a soft vanilla fragrance that makes think of custard. It has a gourmand perfume that is tempting.

I depend on cocoa, shea, and mango butters to keep my skin hydrated in winter. Deep Moisture Body Cream incorporates these skin healing butters into an easily absorbing formula. I use it daily after showering. Once the cream touches my skin, it begins to sink in. I am left with soft skin minutes after application, without any noticeable residue.

I am really impressed that I went through the chill December weather without a single dry patch or skin irritation. I typically am satisfied when a moisturizer heals dryness, but Deep Moisture Body Cream has prevented the effects of winter from showing on my skin.

Cocoa butter has been used for centuries to moisturize the skin. Women have relied on cocoa butter as a preventative against stretch marks. Cocoa butter creates a protective barrier between skin and environmental agents. It helps to seal in moisture while shielding the skin.

Rich in fatty acids, shea butter is a useful emollient. It helps the skin maintain moisture levels and promotes elasticity. Due to its Vitamin A and E content, shea butter has antioxidant properties, which protect the skin from the free radical damage that causes premature aging. It can also be effective as a wrinkle treatment through increasing cell renewal.

Mango Butter is a natural moisturizer that soothes irritated skin. It is often employed in anti-aging skin care products to aid in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Like shea, mango butter contains fatty acids that nourish the skin. Their composition is different. When combined, these butters offer a wealth of skin healing ingredients.

I certainly recommend Deep Moisture Body Cream. If, for you, winter has always meant confronting dry skin, this product will let you focus on more pleasant aspects like watching snowfall with a cup of hot cocoa.

Deep Moisture Body Cream was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased at neutrogena.com or check your local drugstore. The retail price is $8.99 USD for a 6.0 oz. (170g) jar.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Cornflower blue is one of my favorite colors. As a little girl, it was the most reached for crayon from my giant crayola box. There were many cornflower blue skies in the imaginings of my childhood. I created this manicure in the evening and awoke to discover I was in sync with the sky.

From image plate T41, I stamped the flower duo in Konad white special polish. I added a starry flower gem to form a trio of blooms. Alternating placement of pale blue pearls and beads created a delicate ornamentation.

The sky was such an amazing blue!This polish is among my favorites from BB Couture. Blue Christmas is stirred with silver and blue micro-glitter. The shimmering quality is cooling and effervescent. The jelly formula needed three coats for opacity. If you have been searching for the perfect cornflower blue, I am sure you too will be delighted with Blue Christmas.

I wish everyone a restful evening with the love of family and cozy pets. I hope the day afforded you a few pretty trinkets as well.

Friday, December 24, 2010

I have a little something special for those following painted Lady fingers through Twitter. I partnered with B'Liv by Cellnique to offer a full size bottle of Off With Those Heads blackhead sebum gel. Have clear skin in the New Year!

This product promotes non-drying, gentle removal of blackheads and whiteheads. I will be doing a full review in the next week. In the meantime, Twitter followers will have the chance to win a 1 ounce bottle of Off With Those Heads, valued at $49.

All you have to do to enter is follow @ladyfingersblog and retweet about the giveaway. Be sure to include @ladyfingersblog in your tweet as I will be checking the entries using the Twitter @mentions function. Here is the tiny url: http://tinyurl.com/23arwtg.One entry per person.

If your tweets are locked, please leave me a note in the comments with your twitter user name. Your tweets may not show on my @mentions page and I don't want to miss your entry.

The giveaway is open internationally through the end of the day, last time zone, January 1st. The prize will be mailed from Cellnique directly to the winner. You can view all the product lines by skin type at blivskin.com.

The Get Festive Giveaway! is open internationally for followers and e-mail subscribers. The contest runs through the end of the day January 7th. To keep this simple, I am willing to count the date as the last available time zone worldwide. As long as it is January 7th somewhere on the planet, you may still enter.

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory:

1) Become a follower or e-mail subscriber of painted Lady fingers. If you are currently a follower or subscriber, that certainly counts! Please let me know in the comments which option you choose for keeping up with painted Lady fingers. For example: I follow via Google Friend Connect or I subscribe via e-mail. Be specific. I check entries very carefully.

If you follow via Google Friend Connect, log into the proper account when you leave your comment.If you follow via Google Friend Connect, your account has to have some public aspect. It is okay if you don't follow publicly, but there needs to be some signs of humanity on your profile page. If you subscribe via e-mail, your e-mail address must be confirmed through feedburner. If you have never received an e-mail related to painted Lady fingers' blog posts, you do not have a confirmed account.

2) Include your e-mail with your entry to qualify. If you forgot to write your e-mail in with your contest entry, leave me another comment with your e-mail address.

Both 1 & 2 together = 1 entry.

Optional extra entries. There are lots this time!

3) Let me know: What other BB Couture polishes (aside from the Christmas Collection) are on your wish list? You can browse the full catalog of nail color at Overall Beauty. 1 entry.

7) Blog about the contest in a post or add contest info to your sidebar. I will definitely count your entry if your blog is not written in English. I will also count your entry if your blog is just getting started and has a small number of followers. These extra entries are meant to be inclusive and fun. Please provide a link.2 entries. If you use one of my contest photos, add another entry. Please mention that you used a photo.

9) Have painted Lady fingers on your blogroll or add painted Lady fingers. Please provide a link if I haven't already commented on your blog. Otherwise please remind me. I want to be sure to count the entry even if painted Lady fingers has been on your blogroll for a long time. If you have a nail polish blog and you would like to be on my blogroll, please e-mail me. 1 entry.

10) In appreciation, I am going to add an extra entry for those who comment regularly on non-giveaway posts. I do enjoy reading your feedback! Thank you! Not to worry, I am very inclusive with this extra entry.1 entry.

You are welcome to put all your entries in one comment or return to the contest post with comments for each entry. Either way works for me. Your entries don't have to be sequential. Enter in any way you like whenever you like before the end of the day January 7th.

Feel free to enter this giveaway even if you have won recently. If a little extra good fortune comes your way, you deserve it!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I hope everyone is enjoying the Winter Solstice. The eclipse inspired my sleeping hours. I dreamt I was in Africa walking through a bazaar with my friend Lisa. There were woven bowls with spiral patterns in the center. Within were hand made beads painted in a shiny glaze. The market was filled with many sparkling trinkets. There were piles of jewelry positioned in front of paintings, set in hammered silver frames.

I spoke with an academic couple on vacation. The husband was telling me about the Goddess Erzulie, who he described as the heart of the people. I enthusiastically replied: "Oh, she still is! She is beloved by all in the land." I woke up and discovered with a little research that Erzulie is the Goddess of Love, whose roots of tradition can be traced to West Africa. Apparently, I went shopping with Erzulie in my dreams.

I created this manicure with Erzulie in mind. I chose fimo flowers with spiral centers to echo the pattern I saw in my dream. Wanting to call to mind flowers floating in a stream, I worked with a cool tone palette. With Konad grey pearl Princess polish, I stamped the flowers from plate T41. Despite the name, this stamping polish is a grey lilac. I felt like I could not stop myself from adding sparkle; Each nail has a purple jewel, a rainbow crystal, a lavender pearl and a silver bead as ornaments.

This polish is eye catching. It's an oceanic green with a hint of blue. There is a beautiful fine shimmer that comes alive in sunlight. Two coats brought perfect opacity. Hypnotic is likely to be a coveted shade.

Have any of you ladies been having interesting dreams recently?

Hypnotic was sent to me for review. This polish is part of the Winter Collection, available for purchase in the US at diamondcosmetics.com. Keep an eye on boozyshop.nl for international availability.

Image plate T41 was provided for my consideration. To explore the full line of nail art stamping plates, please visit chez-delaney.com.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Today I created an Asian inspired look featuring a crane. I have a real affinity for water birds. I wouldn't mind spending part of my day wading in a lake. The crane is a traditional symbol of longevity. As 2010 draws to a close, it's my wish for each of you, along with health and happiness.

Stamping with pastel blue special polish, I chose the crane image from Konad plate M23. I used a rainbow crystal to hang a Moon in the sky. A pale blue gem highlights the crane's wing. I flocked the trees with a turquoise blue glitter striper from Art Club. I love the softness of tone on tone manicures.

Starshine needed two coats for opacity. This shade has the beautiful pearl finish Diamond Cosmetics formulates so well. There is sparkling turquoise micro glitter in a blue green base. Starshine is a must have for lovers of blue polish. Diamond Cosmetics continues to enrapture me each year with their Winter Collection. I am excited about every color in the offering.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday preparations and making good wishes for the year to come.

Diamond Cosmetics Starshine was sent to me for review. This polish is sold in the US at diamondcosmetics.com. Use the code HOLIDAY for free shipping through Sunday, December 19th at 5 a.m. International readers can check boozshop.nl for availability.

Image plate M23 was provided for my consideration. You can shop the entire line of Konad stamping products at ocnailart.com.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

I had the opportunity to try Flawless Skin, Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15 by Laura Mercier. This moisturizer offers sun protection along with a variety of skin healing ingredients: sea water, green tea, peptides, collagen, arginine, quince seed extract and vitamin E. Oil-Free Day Lotion works effectively as a sunscreen, moisturizer and skin treatment.

I am impressed by how well the oil free formula hydrates my dry skin. I apply this moisturizer over a serum each morning. Its emollient properties are as effective as richer day cremes. It absorbs almost instantly and keeps my skin smooth to the touch long into the evening.

Oil-Free Day Lotion works beautifully under make-up. I have no trouble using concealer and powder shortly after applying this moisturizer. The consistency of the lotion is light and it massages into the skin easily. It's quick absorption makes it a useful product to help streamline my morning routine.

I appreciate how healthy my skin appears after using Oil-Free Day Lotion. Fine lines are diminished and my skin texture looks more supple. This moisturizer also produces a cumulative effect. After using Oil-Free Day Lotion for a few weeks, I noticed my skin feels softer and has a more youthful glow and fullness.

The scent of this product is elegant. There is clean and light floral aroma that dissipates shortly after application. The fragrance is so lovely I wish I could wear it as perfume.

While Camellia Sinensis is most commonly associated with a tea cup, the antioxidant effects of green tea are also beneficial when applied topically. Green tea can help fight free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution. Because it helps prevent breakdown in collagen, green tea positively contributes to skin firmness and elasticity.

Oil-Free Day Lotion contains peptides. These active molecules signal the skin to produce more collagen. While peptides are naturally present in the skin, applying them in a lotion can contribute to additional collagen formation. This will help the skin retain a youthful appearance.

Arginine is an amino acid that assists in maintaining healthy connective tissue. Present in the skin, it is known to help heal damaged tissue and promote collagen formation.

Pyrus Sydonia Seed Extract is also known as quince seed. Closely related to apples, quince is a potent anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

Many notable, much discussed skin care ingredients are present in this modern style bottle. If you are looking for a quality, boutique moisturizer, Oil-Free Day Lotion would make a worthy splurge.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Oil-Free Day Lotion SPF 15 was given to me by a friend. This moisturizer can be purchased from lauramercier.com. A 1.7 fluid ounce bottle retails at $95.00 USD.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

It seems like many of us have been greeted by icy winds today. I was thinking about the grey overtaking the blue sky. Ashley, my favorite cafe barista, said my manicure reminded her of the ice thawing in Spring and the flowers coming out of the earth. Perhaps my internal optimism was at work in creating this look.

I began with Color Club Soft as Cashmere for a base. From Konad plate S9, I stamped the flowers in blue pearl special polish. I chose turquoise rhinestones from Bundle Monster. These are slightly larger than the size that typically appears on my nails. I created a curved glitter French using Covered in Diamonds. I followed the shape of the stamping design along the side of the nail.

White poinsettias and blue hydrangea at Longwood Gardens.

Soft as Cashmere required three coats for opacity. The color is a pretty, warm grey with beige undertones. Covered in Diamonds is a must have for those who love layering notes. Its icy sparkle is perfect for winter manicures.

If you are in Australia, feel free to share stories of your warm temperatures. It will be like wrapping around an extra scarf.

Monday, December 13, 2010

I have been having a great experience with Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer. This product improves the look of my makeup and lengthens wear time. It also works well over sunscreen and skin treatment products.

I can easily tell why Sheer Envy Primer is favored by makeup artists. It has a light, silky texture. Applied over sunscreen, it offers a smooth base for my concealer, powder and bronzer. I noticed I require less makeup when using this primer.

If you like boutique makeup items, Sheer Envy Primer is an exceptional value at $8.00 USD. It will extend the wear of your favorite foundation and concealer and allow you to use less for better coverage. The application of my makeup appears more even and natural than without it.

Since I have fair skin, I regularly use a touch of bronzer to enhance my complexion. Sheer Envy Primer helps with adhesion. I can quickly highlight my cheeks, chin and forehead without worrying about needing to reapply. I also don't have to be concerned with brushing on too much color, trying to get an even application. It helps my bronzer add the most natural glow possible.

I use a moisturizing serum and sunscreen every day. Sheer Envy Primer makes my skin a little more matte without causing dryness. Makeup seems to rest atop the primer instead of sinking into the skin and getting lost in absorption. It's a great solution for layering over sunscreen or other moisturizers. You can still protect and hydrate your skin and keep your makeup in place all day long.

Since I noticed a bit of separation the first time I used Sheer Envy Primer, I give the tube a quick shake before dispensing. The primer appears white, like a lightweight lotion, but it smoothes beautifully over the skin.

If you are searching for an affordable, studio quality face primer, I can highly recommend this product.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Primer was sent to me for review. You can learn more about the full line of cosmetics and nail polishes at hardcandy.com. To purchase, visit a Walmart retail location or shop on-line at walmart.com.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

During the winter holidays, I always encounter images of The Nutcracker ballet. I have seen the performance many times, favoring the second act. My manicure today tells the story of Clara and the Prince in the Land of Sweets. There is a lollipop with a heart, the Sugarplum Fairy in motion amidst flowers, and a crown for the coronation of the new rulers of Confiturembourg. Ah, to be a princess in a land of candy, fantasy and dancing fairies!

I chose China Glaze Millennium Khrome for stamping. The lollipop is from Konad plate M14. The dancers are featured on disc S08. The leaping ballerina floats over a white flower with a rhinestone center. The crown is shown on M40. I added a pearl and two beads for ornamentation.

Carla applied well and was easily opaque in two coats. This dark purple is stirred with hot pink shimmer. In lower lights, the finish can masquerade as a creme. The sparkle enlivens the purple, keeping it from venturing in the almost black territory. If you like a vampy purple with a hint of shimmer, Carla is sure to entice.

Friday, December 10, 2010

For the past month, I have been using Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover by Lumene. I find this product to be an effective and affordable choice for easily dissolving all traces of pigments, shadows, mascara and liner. I also appreciate Lumene's stance on the environment.

I wear eye makeup everyday. I love putting together bold looks with mineral makeup, glitter eyeliner and baked shadows. Since I habitually use primer, the amount of makeup I apply in the morning is still with me before bedtime. Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover whisks it all away.

I saturate the center of one cotton round and wipe it across the entire eye area. One piece of cotton will thoroughly clean both eyelids. For stubborn to remove mineral shadows and pigments, I occasionally will require two cotton rounds. I appreciate how quickly makeup is dissolved.

Because the product contains both oil and water, it needs to be shaken before use. It does leave a trace of oil on the lids after application. A quick splash of cool water will take care of any residue.

I am impressed with Lumene's company standards to protect the environment and their commitment to using 80% natural ingredients in the majority of their products. Lovers of fauna will be pleased to know Lumene doesn't test on animals.

Linseed Oil absorbs easily into the skin. It is a source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Known to reduce redness and irritation, linseed is favorable for the eye area. Linseed oil is derived from common flax. With the popular use of flaxseed for dietary benefits, use of the oil and extract in skin care is a natural crossover.

The light texture of Sunflower Oil makes it beneficial for all skin types. Rich in vitamin E, it is healing for the skin. Sunflower Oil is often used for acne prone skin as it provides a natural barrier against bacteria and other irritants.

Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover offered my first experience with the Lumene brand. I'm impressed with the natural ingredients incorporated into an accessible, drug store line. I'm looking forward to trying more of their products.

I purchased Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover at Ulta. It is also available at CVS and Target. A 3.4 fl. ounce (100mL) bottle retails for approximately $6.49. You can learn more about the full product line at lumeneusa.com and lumene.com.

About the lady

I've loved nail polish since girlhood. My grandmom bought me colorful bottles every time we went to the drugstore together. That sentiment has never left me. My favorite brands now are China Glaze, Chanel, Color Club, Misa, Nubar, OPI and Zoya. I can't pass by Sally Hansen, Milani, or Rimmel in a drugstore without incident of shopping. I dream of vast stores of old Urban Decay and Hard Candy polishes. In reality, I have a few. I have a penchant for glitter and the Konad has taken over much of my brainspace with swirls, flowers and butterflies. I like whimsy. I carry a parasol.
berkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm